2012 Toyota Matrix Review

Overview

The 2012 Toyota Matrix, debuted at Chicago Auto Show, comes with an unbeatable fun-to-drive spirit and a slew of new equipment. New standard wheels, interior design features, standard Smart Stop Technology and standard Toyota Car Complimentary Maintenance Plan make this five-door wagon/hatchback second to none. The 2012 Matrix is known for its utility and excellent fuel economy.

Power and performance

The Matrix is powered by a 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine rated at 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission (ECT). The sporty Matrix S is motivated by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine which pumps out 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. These efficient engines send power to wheels through a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) Matrix S is equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the ECT 4-speed automatic transmission. The Matrix delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25/32 city/highway with 1.8-liter with the five-speed manual transmission, and with a four-speed automatic it yields 26/32. The Matrix S gives 21/28 and 21/29 mpg city/highway with five-speed The Matrix S powered by the 2.4-liter engine with five-speed manual transmission achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. With the five speed automatic transmission, it earns 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The Matrix S AWD with the four-speed automatic achieves 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Body and styling

The 2012 Toyota Matrix is a second generation matrix with a sport-coupe-inspired styling cues and impressive interior utility. All-new front and rear bumpers are the highlights of the Matrix S. Five people can ride in utmost comfort thanks to the new standard equipment that includes all-weather package, power accessories, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA capable audio system with four speaker, front center-console box, tilt and telescopic wheel suited for all kinds of driver physiques and an engine immobilizer. The 60/40 split folding rear seat comes with center-position headrests. The high-efficiency air-conditioning system features large vents to provide increased level of comfort. Based on the heat load and engine speed, the AC system's compressor varies the output capacity which reduces noise considerably and enhances interior comfort than simply recycling the compressor on and off. Bright white lightning and new silver ornamentation for 2011 make the Optitron instrument-cluster gauges are highly driver-friendly. The new seat fabrics are sporty and flexible.

Safety Features

The Matrix is loaded with a long list of standard safety and security features. The ace wagon/hatchback, made up of high-strength steel, is designed to absorb and disperse impact energy all through the body structure. Six standard airbags, seat belt pretensioners, front seat active headrests and energy-absorbing steering column are among the standard features. Toyota?s standard Star Safety System comprising Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist is standard. It also includes standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.